A CONSULTATION is being held over plans to introduce emission-based parking charges in Reading.
The proposed scheme would see motorists with higher polluting vehicles paying more for on-street parking and residents’ parking permits.
Emission-based charging is being proposed to support the Council’s aim of improving air quality in the borough for the benefit of residents’ health and wellbeing. It would complement a wider package of measures to encourage cycling, walking and the use of public transport.
Incremental tariffs of 20% for petrol and 25% for diesel vehicles would apply to each parking pricing band, based on the vehicle’s carbon dioxide emissions.
Only vehicles which have emission levels of 151g/km (grams per kilometre) or above will be subject to additional charges, which discounts many non-electric cars.
Any objections to the plans will be considered by councillors at a future committee meeting.
An informal consultation into the plans was held by the Council in March and councillors agreed for the scheme to be implemented subject to a further formal consultation which will take place until September 12.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: “Although air quality in Reading is improving overall, there are areas of the town where pollution levels are too high.
“That affects the health of residents, particularly children, older people and individuals with heart and lung conditions.
“We know that transport accounts for around 30% of all carbon emissions nationally and the Council actively encourages the use of lower emission vehicles, public transport, cycling and walking.”
He explained: “Emission-based parking charges is another way we can try to reduce air pollution as those with higher emission vehicles would pay more to park in the town.
“However, it is important to stress that many lower emission petrol cars, as well as electric vehicles, will avoid any extra charges.
“This formal consultation will give people the opportunity to tell us their views on emission-based parking charges for both on-street parking and residents’ permits.”
The consultations can be found via: reading.govocal.com/en-GB/projects
Motorists can check their vehicle’s emission statistics via: vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk
